The District of Columbia Public Service Commission is due to receive input regarding the development of a regulatory framework for microgrids as part of the PowerPath DC initiative, which was launched in August 2019 to advance the next phase of the commission’s grid modernization efforts. The agency seeks to better understand the benefits and potential impacts of microgrids on customers and the distribution system to enhance regulatory certainty and transparency in its decision making process. The commission proposed a framework and seeks responses to a list of questions concerning standards for safe operation, customer protections and safeguards, and interconnection rules, among others. READ MORE

The New York Public Service Commission is scheduled to receive comments on the regulatory structure proposed in a recent whitepaper to achieve the state’s goal of sourcing 70 percent of its electricity from renewable energy by 2030 under the 2019 Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. The report puts forth an expanded Clean Energy Standard, using existing regulatory and procurement structures and adopting policy changes to align with the requirements of the law. The issuance of the whitepaper initiates an important first step in implementing the requirement that the commission create a program to procure large-scale renewable energy sources, such as land-based and offshore wind and solar, to meet the state’s aggressive goals. READ MORE

The Maryland Public Service Commission will consider Columbia Gas of Maryland Inc.’s application for adjustments of retail rates and charges applicable to its gas service. The NiSource Inc. subsidiary requested an annual revenue increase of approximately $6.5 million, or 14.29 percent, and a return on equity of 10.95 percent. The change would result in a bill increase of $11.78 for residential customers that consume 7 dekatherms per month. 9644

The California Energy Commission will discuss revisions to the 2022 Energy Code for existing residential buildings as part of its three-year update cycle. The 2022 code will improve upon the 2019 standards by revising and updating efficiency standards for new buildings, and expansions and alterations to existing buildings. Following workshops and a public comment process, the new code will become effective at the start of 2023. The 2019 code established a requirement to have solar photovoltaic systems installed in newly constructed low-rise residential buildings. In May 2018, the commission adopted standards requiring most new homes to install rooftop solar starting in 2020, making California the first U.S. state to adopt such a mandate.

The Arizona Corporation Commission will receive telephonic comments regarding Arizona Public Service Company’s application for adjustments of retail rates and charges applicable to its electric service. The Pinnacle West Capital Corporation subsidiary asked for an annual revenue increase of $184 million and a return on equity of 10.15 percent, which would result in an average monthly bill increase of 5.8 percent for residential customers. E-01345A-19-0236

The Idaho Public Utilities Commission is due to receive reply comments on Avista Corporation’s 2020 electric integrated resource plan, a biennial update of the company’s plan to adequately serve customers over the next 25 years. The company updated its annual energy forecast growth to 0.3 percent, replacing the 0.5 percent projection in the 2017 resource plan. Energy efficiency is expected to meet 71 percent of the new demand growth, instead of the 53 percent projected in the previous plan. Avista proposes a larger portfolio of new resources to replace retiring fossil fuel-powered generating capacity and meet renewable energy goals. AVU-E-19-01